S.C. team basking in glow of making World Series

Harry Truman was president, color television had yet to be invented and Alaska and Hawaii weren’t states the last time a team from South Carolina played a game in the Little League World Series 65 years ago.

That will change on Friday when Northwood Little League from Taylors represents the Southeast against New England in the opening round of the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

Northwood cruised through the Southeast Regional tournament in Warner Robins, Ga., going 4-0 and winning the championship game 7-0 over Virginia.

“It’s really surprising that somebody hasn’t made it since 1950 as good as the baseball is in our state,” Northwood coach Kevin Tumblin said. “To be able to break that dry spell and actually get somebody here for the first time in 65 years, we’re proud of the players and proud of Northwood Little League and we’re really proud for South Carolina to finally get somebody back up here.”

After winning the Southeast Regional Championship this past Thursday, Northwood stayed in Georgia until Saturday before flying to Philadelphia and taking a bus to Williamsport.

Northwood has spent the past few days practicing and preparing for the World Series in addition to answering phone calls from many people calling to wish the team good luck. Clemson coach Monte Lee and USC coach Chad Holbrook are among those who have offered well wishes, while the Atlanta Braves posted a video online with messages from players, including Cameron Maybin, Andrelton Simmons and A.J. Pierzynski.

“It’s the kind of thing that you dream about since your kid’s five years old playing little league,” Tumblin said. “You don’t really think it could ever happen to you, so for it to happen to us, it’s just a great feeling.”

Northwood isn’t satisfied with just making it to the Little League World Series and is looking to make a run at the title. The team from Taylors believes it has a chance to make some noise, led by star player Alex Edmondson.

In four games at the Southeast Regional tournament, Edmondson hit .692 with five home runs and 11 RBIs. In 10 2/3 innings on the mound, he struck out 26 and walked five while allowing three earned runs. In the championship game, Edmondson threw a no-hitter and hit two home runs.

“I just did the best that I could. I put in all the work to get to that point,” Edmondson said. “It felt really good to win because South Carolina hasn’t been in so long. It’s been my dream to come here.”

Since arriving in Williamsport, Edmondson has received plenty of attention for his standout performance.Tumblin said his star player is taking it all in stride.

“Even here he’s had people from other teams come up and say ‘Oh, you’re Edmondson. You’re that guy that throws so hard.’ He’s kind of been a little bit of a celebrity here at the park, but he’s just doing like all the other 12-year-olds, playing ping pong and going swimming and doing all of the normal kids stuff that you do up here.”

In addition to Edmondson, center fielder Terrence Gist performed well in the Southeast Regional, hitting .562 with a double, a homer and three RBIs. Pitchers Braden Buffington and Brad Lewis each earned a win in addition to Edmondson.

Tumblin said he believes his players are up for the challenge of winning the championship.

“I think it’s just that top to bottom, 1 through 14, everybody at some point has gotten a big hit or made a big catch in the field, made a big play, for us it’s just been a real team effort,” he said.

This story was originally published August 19, 2015 at 2:38 PM with the headline "S.C. team basking in glow of making World Series."